Cle Elum River-Upper

From I-90, take exit 80 and head for Rosyln/Salmon La Sac (those arriving from the east can take exit 84).

2.7 miles from I-90 you’ll reach Highway 903, turn left towards the north (at this point you’re at mile 4.2 on Highway 903 which becomes Salmon La Sac Road and parallels the run).

Continue through Rosyln and past Cle Elum Reservoir to mile 17.4 and the turn-off to FR 4308. The bridge here is a good take-out.

To reach the put-in return to Salmon La Sac Road and continue up to mile 21 and the bridge at Salmon La Sac Campground.

Trip Description:

The run starts out at Salmon la Sac Campground. Here the river carves its way through a final class III rapid as it emerges from the China Gorge section upstream. This rapid is the site of the League of Northwest Whitewater Racers annual slalom race and the start for the downriver race which has been held in early June each year since 1962.

From the campground, this is a good beginner run with nearly continuous action but good recovery pools. Many of the rapids are created as the river flows across gravel bars. Low water levels would make these sections less fun, but they are good with moderate snowmelt run- off.

Recommended Season: Snowmelt, usually June

The source of the information included in this entry is the American Whitewater website. River conditions are subject to change, especially after storms or floods. For more the most up-to-date information or to view photos and user comments, check this river’s information American Whitewater.

*If you have a detailed account of running this section of river, please submit it to the editor@WenatcheeOutdoors.org
Leave It Better Than You Found It:This should be every outdoor user’s goal. Pick up trash left by others, pull some noxious weeds along your route, throw branches over unwanted spur trails, don’t ride or walk wet trails when you’re leaving ruts/footprints deeper than ¼ inch…
Disclaimer.Treat this information as recommendations, not gospel. Conditions change and those contributing these reports are volunteers–they may make mistakes or not know all the issues affecting a route.You are responsible for yourself, your actions, and your safety.If you won’t accept that responsibility, you are prohibited from using our information.